i just changed the brakes on my '99 outback wagon 2 days ago. i have to admit, the instructions were excellent, with the pictures to boot. Much props there. Anyway, i didnt read all of the replies, so i dont know if this has been iterated yet, but im just going to throw out a few tips i learned from the guys i know at the local mechanics shop down the road.
1. While the lugs are easy to get off, the caliper bolts are a *****. The solution is to take first spray the bolts with stuff called PB Blaster. Its much better than WD-40.
2. Then, take your trust sears (garbage) ratchet, and slide a 10 - 12 inch pipe over the handle. I never thought i would ever need physics class, but here i used it to solve my lack of putting torque to the bolts. TORQUE = FORCE x DISTANCE <--lever arm length, so having a bigger handle will allow you to put more torque into getting the bolts off if you pull at the end of the pipe.
3. Counter-clockwise the ratchet should feel resistance if you want to take bolts off. Clockwise puts them back on.
COMPRESSING THE CALIPER PISTONS
I just wanted to say, that the part in the original diy about taking off your brake resevior cap is not necessary at all.
When you have your caliper off, and your new brakes fitted, in order to get the caliper over the new brakes you need to compress the caliper pistons.
To do this, get a C-CLAMP from the local hardware store.
Now, take and position an old brake pad over the caliper pistons. This is while the caliper is still removed from its home. Then, clamp the old brake pad on the piston side to the caliper.
Tighten until you cant tighten anymore.
Now you can easily slide the caliper over the new brake pads. Do that, then bolt everything back up.
Start your car. Give it a min, then repeatedly stomp the brake pedal. The first time you hit the brakes (only hit the brakes when everything is back together and youre ready to drive away), you will feel the pedal hit the floor. Dont worry, its just the caliper pistons adjusting to the new pads from being compressed back into their housings. After about 10 stomps, your brake pedal should feel normal.
Take the car into a deserted street and get it going at 30 mph. Then smash the brakes just to make sure they work.
-James